E. coli Coliform rapid test | EC Blue Shimadzu 05593

- The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in 2003 and the Japan Water Works Association (JWWA) in 2001 officially approved EC Blue as one of the official methods for detecting Escherichia coli and Coliforms in water. EC Blue was developed on the basis of a specific enzyme substrate culture medium used as a specific enzyme substrate to detect coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli are considered in water.

- The rapid analysis method for E. coli and Coliform using the product EC Blue from Shimadzu is an advanced solution that helps detect indicator bacteria in water and food quickly and effectively. The details of this method are given below:

1. Introduction to the E. coli Coliform rapid test | EC Blue

- EC Blue is a microbiological test product based on the colorimetric principle, which detects E. coli and Coliform in water and food samples. This method uses an enrichment medium containing a specific substrate to produce a colour reaction when the target bacteria grow.

2. Principle of operation

The colorimetric enzyme substrate, Xgal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-D galactopyranoside) in the medium is broken down to bring out a blue/blue-green colour thanks to the β-galactosidase produced specifically by coliform bacteria. In addition, MUG (4-Methyl-Umbelliferyl-β-Ｄ-Glucuronide) in the medium is broken down by the β-Glucuronidase produced. considered specifically, to isolate the fluorescent substrate 4-Methyl-Umbelliferone.

2.1. Detection of Coliform

- EC Blue contains the β-Galactosidase enzyme substrate, an enzyme present in all Coliform bacteria. When the bacteria grow, the substrate is cleaved, producing a characteristic blue colour.

2.2. Detection of E. coli

- In addition to β-Galactosidase, E. coli also has the enzyme β-Glucuronidase, which cleaves another specific substrate to produce fluorescence under UV light (~365 nm).

3. Procedure for performing the EC Blue test

- Sample preparation: take 100 mL of the water sample or dilute the food sample in sterile water.

- Add the EC Blue medium: pour the EC Blue solution into the water sample in the bag or bottle that already contains the medium.

- Incubate at 35-37°C for 24-28 hours.

- Reading the result: if the sample turns blue → positive for Coliform. If the sample glows under UV → positive for E. coli.

4. Advantages of the EC Blue method

- Fast: results within 24-28 hours, faster than traditional culture methods.

- Easy to perform: no complex equipment is needed, only an incubator and a UV lamp.

- High sensitivity: can detect levels of 1 CFU/100ml, meeting drinking water standards.

- Cost saving: no additional confirmation step is needed as with the traditional MPN method.

5. Applications of EC Blue

- Testing of drinking water, wastewater, swimming pool water and production water in food processing.

- Monitoring water quality in the food, pharmaceutical, livestock and environmental industries.

This is an ideal method for the rapid E. coli Coliform test in water, helping businesses and laboratories optimise their microbiological testing process.